Thousands traveling through Reno for Burning Man festival

RENO, Nev. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) --Thousands of travelers are getting ready to head out to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for the annual Burning Man festival.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport officials are preparing for more than 15,000 burners to come and go throughout the festival. "If you're looking at just a single week or two of busy times here at the airport, it's right now," said Airport spokesperson Heidi Jared.

Jared said they expect travelers from more than 34 countries to arrive at the airport. "It actually has become our single largest annual event of the year."

Jared said it is a big economic boom for our region. "If you look at the airline fees, the rental car fees, concessions from our food, beverage, and retail, we estimate that Burning Man has an impact of over $10 million, just at the airport."

Several hotels around town are offering pre- and post-playa room deals, including the Atlantis Casino. "We have a pre-burn package, which includes a night stay either on Sunday night or Monday night, and a buffet voucher to Toucan Charlie's Buffet and Grill," said Atlantis Casino publicist Tracie Barnthouse. "And then we have an after-the-burn package, which is great for rejuvenation after time spent out on the playa, it includes two massages in Spa Atlantis, so it really is a great deal."

For burners looking for last minute outfits, Junkee Clothing Exchange has you covered. "I’ve been 12 years and most of the staff has been, we really do know how to prepare you," said owner Jessica Schneider.

Schneider said mixing the new with the old is the way to go. "A hat is really good because your hair really is awful out there, it gets full of playa dust, you’ve got to have goggles if you get caught in a dust storm."

Officials said Friday will be a busy day at the airport with arriving burners. Something new this year is the Airport's bike drop-off for after Burning Man. Any unwanted bikes will be donated to children in need.